We take a look inside the box to discover which comic books made it into the November 2015 ComicBoxer Shipment! This was a very special month for our subscribers, as you will see from the books included. Our special “gift” shipped just in time for Christmas!
Comics included in this shipment:
Huck #1 – Image Comics
Eternal Warrior #1 – Valiant Comics
Harley’s Black Book #1 Polybag Variant – DC Comics
Dark Knight III The Master Race #1 – DC Comics
Transformers MTME #46 Orignal Sketch Edition by Alex Milne – IDW
THANK YOU for participating in April 2015’s MYSTERY BOX! It was another record breaking month for us, and we were pretty excited about the books in this month’s shipment. We also threw in a bonus book from Free Comic Book Day, which was on May 2nd. Exactly how did this month’s comics make the cut? Read below and find out!
Rebels #1 by Brian Wood & Andrea Mutti – Dark Horse Comics
Brian Wood takes us back to the year 1775 with Rebels, a look at the American Revolution through the eyes of Seth and Mercy Abbott. Wood is best known for his storytelling on books like DMZ, Northlanders, and The Massive. Expect his writing to draw parallels between the worlds of 1775 and 2015.
Bloodshot Reborn #1 by Jeff Lemire & Mico Suyan: Suyan Variant – Valiant Comics
This is the first time we’ve included a Valiant book in ComicBoxer, and we’ve included this one for good reason! Valiant is making huge headlines these days – their movie deal with Sony has paved the way for at least 5 films in the Valiant Universe, Bloodshot first among them. This comic is a great place to start for those unfamiliar with the character. Oh, and say hello to “Bloodsquirt” for us – a character drawn in the book by writer Jeff Lemire over Mico Suyan’s already fantastic art!
Kaijumax #1 by Zander Cannon: Bryan Lee O’Malley Variant – Oni Press
Kaijumax is awesome. Don’t let the cute cover by Scott Pilgrim artist Bryan Lee O’Malley fool you – this is Orange is the New Black or Oz meets Pacific Rim. What happens when giant monsters get captured? They get sent to Kaijumax! But what if they were just trying to take care of their Kaiju family? Are some Kaiju just misunderstood? This variant has been selling for as much as $12 online!
Lady Mechanika: Tablet of Destinies #1 by Joe Benitez & M.M. Chen – Benitez Productions
Lady Mechanika, Joe Benitez’ steampunk heroine, makes the jump from Aspen Comics to Joe’s own publishing company. This character has immense popularity, and we leaped at the chance to include the first issue of her new series in this month’s box.
Avengers #44 by Jonathan Hickman & Stefano Caselli/Kev Walker – Marvel Comics
Secret Wars is upon us and entire universes are coming to an end. A climactic battle between Captain America and Iron Man end the current Marvel Universe as we know it. This super-sized 56 page finale is action-packed, and we’re calling it the last comic featuring both the Ultimate Universe and the 616 universe. It’s also the perfect lead-in to Secret Wars #1 coming in May.
Also, check out this video of Kevin and Ricky talking about our recent Mystery Box picks!
Thanks for being a part of ComicBoxer. May’s mystery box is one that you DO NOT want to miss!
THANK YOU for participating in March 2015’s MYSTERY BOX! We’re sending out a record number of boxes this month – our club keeps growing and growing! Exactly how did this month’s comics make the cut? Read below and find out!
Princess Leia #1 by Mark Waid & Terry Dodson: Action Figure Variant – Marvel Comics
Our third Marvel Star Wars book in as many months, and this time we’ve included the awesome Action Figure Variant, which is sold out and already commanding prices of up to $10 in the aftermarket! This Princess Leia series is set to be 5 issues long, and is the perfect companion for the ongoing Star Wars and Darth Vader books.
Descender #1 by Jeff Lemire & Dustin Nguyen – Image Comics
Amazing writing from Jeff Lemire and beautiful water-colored panels from Dustin Nguyen make this book a true work of art! If the first issue is any indication, this is a series that we will be rushing to read each month it’s released. Sony has already optioned the movie rights to this story, which has pushed this issue past the $10 mark online!
Spider-Woman #5 by Dennis Hopeless & Javier Rodriguez – Marvel Comics
This landmark issue of Spider-Woman gives Jessica Drew an all-new hip and updated costume, which was something Marvel needed to do after the controversy of the variant cover from issue #1. The new outfit is already a hit with readers – this issue is sold out and headed for reprints!
Chrononauts #1 by Mark Millar & Sean Murphy – Image Comics
Who doesn’t love a good time travel story, especially when written by one of comics’ most prolific creators Mark Millar! Joined by superstar artist Sean Murphy, this tells the story of the first trip through time, and like the first landing on the moon, this trip will be televised! The announcement of a movie deal for this book with Universal, plus an “optical illusion” on the cover, has pushed this sold-out Sean Murphy cover as high as – wait for it – $30! WOW!
Hellbreak #1 by Cullen Bunn & Brian Churilla – Oni Press
Cullen Bunn, writer for books such as Magneto, Deadpool Kills, and Sixth Gun takes us to Hell and back in this offering from Oni Press. Project Keberos has been developed to break into hell, rescue lost souls, and then break back out. The book promises “thousands of hells” and we can’t wait to see how Brian Churilla visualizes that.
Convergence #0 by Dan Jurgens & Ethan Van Sciver – DC Comics
The end of “The New 52” all begins here. Dan Jurgens gives us this Superman-centric introduction to the event where DC’s universes will collide, giving us a look back at the heroes and villains of DC’s past, present, and future. Convergence will run through the months of April and May before the publisher begins a mini-relaunch in June!
Also, check out this video of Kevin and Ricky talking about our recent Mystery Box picks!
Thanks for being a part of ComicBoxer. April’s mystery box is one that you DO NOT want to miss!
THANK YOU for participating in February 2015’s MYSTERY BOX! It was our most successful month yet. How did this month’s comics make the cut? Read below and find out!
Darth Vader #1 by Kieron Gillen & Salvador Larrocca – Marvel Comics
With Disney and Marvel behind the reigns of the Star Wars comic universe, you didn’t think they were going to stop with just the one main, ongoing title did you? Nope! And we’re thankful they didn’t because we LOVE this new ongoing Darth Vader series set directly after the Death Star’s destruction in Episode IV – a New Hope.
Nameless #1 by Grant Morrison & Chris Burnham – Image Comics
This is the first issue in a six issue miniseries by Morrisson & Burnham, and the first time they’ve collaborated on a book since their run on Batman and Robin. This book deals with the occult, the apocalypse, and the depravity of humankind. Sounds like a book that is a perfect fit for the writing of Grant Morrison! This book is also sold out of its 1st printing.
Spider-Gwen #1 by Jason Latour & Robbi Rodriguez – Marvel Comics
Spider-Gwen is taking the world by storm! Her first appearance in Edge of Spider-Verse #2 already fetches over $100 a copy online. Now you’re in on the ground floor of her brand new ongoing series! The sky is the limit for this alternate universe Gwen Stacy. We’re sure that more comic appearances, tv, and perhaps even movies are in her future!
Lady Mechanika #4 by Joe Benitez & Peter Steigerwald – Aspen Comics
December 2011 was the last time we saw the super popular steampunk heroine Lady Mechanika in print, and Joe Benitez finally delivers with this much-anticipated 4th issue. We can’t wait for the launch of his new Lady Mechanika series in April 2015, and this book serves as the perfect introduction.
Cluster #1 by Ed Brisson & Damien Couceiro – Boom! Studios
Ed Brisson (Sheltered, Sons of Anarchy) continues to be one of the best new writers in comics, and he delivers here with Cluster #1 a sci-fi tale about a future where Earth relies on its convicts to form armies to better defend the planet from attacking alien life forms. This book is already sold out of its 1st printing.
Amazing Spider-Man #14 by Dan Slott & Olivier Coipel: Phil Noto Variant – Image Comics
It’s the conclusion of the Spider-Verse story! What better way to enjoy the ending to this major Spider-Man centric event than by flipping through the pages contained behind this beautiful Phil Noto variant cover which depicts a Polaroid-style portrait of Peter Parker’s first girlfriend Gwen Stacy!
Also, check out this video of Kevin and Ricky talking about our recent Mystery Box picks!
Thanks for being a part of ComicBoxer. There are some major comic releases coming in the month of February and we know you’ll all enjoy next month’s mystery box! Happy New Year, and all the best in 2015!
THANK YOU for participating in December 2014’s MYSTERY BOX! We hope you had a wonderful holiday season, and wish you an amazing New Year! How did this month’s comics make the cut? Read below and find out!
Batman #37 by Scott Snyder & Greg Capullo Darwyn Cooke Variant – DC Comics
Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo are creating one of the most chilling Joker stories ever. The storyline takes a definite “Walking Dead” turn in this issue. Where the story will go from here we can’t even imagine, but we can’t wait to find out! This issue features a beautifully illustrated variant cover by Darwyn Cooke.
Rumble #1 by John Arcudi & James Harren – Image Comics
Amazing visuals from James Harren and Dave Stewart, along with action-packed writing from John Arcudi, makes Rumble #1 an adrenaline-fueled book. Rathraq the Scarecrow Warrior God shows up and starts wreaking havoc at a dive bar. This has the makings of a great action/adventure story.
Squarriors #1 by Ash Maczko and Ashley Witter – Devil’s Due Entertainment
If the cover to this book doesn’t draw you in, then I don’t know what will! A story about warring animals in a post-human world, this first issue of a 4 issue series delivers impact, action, and brutality, all beautifully depicted by the very talented story artist Ashley Witter.
Shield #1 by Mark Waid and Carlos Pacheco – Marvel Comics
If you’re a fan of TV’s hit show Agents of Shield but wished that more big-name Marvel characters would show up in episodes, then this is the book for you! Mark Waid and Carlos Pacheco focus on Phil Coulson in this issue, but the characters you know from TV are here, along with guests like The Hulk, The Thing, Iron Man, Asgardians, and a whole lot more.
Bitch Planet #1 by Kelly Sue Deconnick & Valentine De Landro: SIGNED – Image Comics
One of the most highly anticipated new stories from Image Comics is finally here! Bitch Planet tells the story of a group of women on a prison planet that are beginning to take revenge on their oppressors. It’s 70s exploitation meets futuristic Sci-Fi. As a special bonus for ComicBoxer members, this issue is signed by series artist Valentine De Landro!
Thanks for being a part of ComicBoxer. There are some major comic releases coming in the month of January and we know you’ll all enjoy next month’s mystery box! Happy New Year, and all the best in 2015!
THANK YOU for participating in November 2014’s MYSTERY BOX! We’re really excited about the picks we made this month, and we hope you will be too! How did this month’s comics make the cut? Read below and find out!
Batman #36 by Scott Snyder & Greg Capullo: LEGO Joker Variant – DC Comics
Everyone’s favorite super villain is back in Snyder and Capullo’s “Endgame” storyline, and things appear to be getting more dark and twisted than ever! The fact that this variant has a LEGO version of the clown prince of crime gracing the cover made it a shoe-in for this month’s box!
All New Captain America #1 by Rick Remender & Stuart Immonen – Marvel Comics
A bold, new direction for Captain America! This issue, featuring former Falcon Sam Wilson in his new role as Captain America is groundbreaking and will be looked back upon as an important moment in the history of Marvel Comics.
Superior Iron Man #1 by Tom Taylor and Yildiray Cinar “Groot in a Bottle” variant – Marvel Comics
Tony Stark has been bitten by the Axis bug, and Iron Man is feeling a lot more like a jerk than he usually is. This special “Rocket and Groot” variant cover illustrated by Tom Fowler pays tribute to the famous Iron Man “Demon in a Bottle” cover.
The Kitchen #1 – by Ollie Masters and Ming Doyle – Vertigo Comics
It’s the 1970s, in Hell’s Kitchen, New York City. Jimmy Brennan and his fellow mobsters have gone to prison and there’s nobody left to continue on with the business, save for the mob wives! This is a classic gangster story told from a completely different point of view. An added bonus is the great cover by Becky Cloonan.
The Humans #1 by Keenan Marshall Keller, & Tom Neely – Image Comics
If Sons of Anarchy and Planet of the Apes got married, this would be their offspring. The Humans is balls out exploitation on the printed page. Nothing is off limits in this book. It’s been generating a decent amount of buzz on the comic con circuit over the last year, and Image Comics has high hopes for the book.
ODY-C #1 by Matt Fraction & Christian Ward – Image Comics
One of the greatest stories ever told, Homer’s The Odyssey, is retold here with a few changes. First, instead of the world of Ancient Greece the story takes place in a futuristic, sci-fi setting. Second, all the male roles such as Odysseus are gender-swapped into female characters. Also – there’s an 8-page fold out!
BONUS BOOK! Zero #12 by Ales Kot & Adam Gorham SIGNED EDITION – Image Comics
Zero is a great book by Ales Kot that is in development to be a TV show at some point in the future. Each issue, Ales invites a different artist to draw the book. This issue was penciled by Adam Gorham, who graciously signed copies of the book for us to include in this month’s shipment! Adam is also working on TMNT/Ghostbusters right now for IDW Comics.
THANK YOU for participating in October 2014’s MYSTERY BOX! A whopping SEVEN comics were included in this month’s box. We’re really excited about the picks we made this month, and we hope you will be too! How did this month’s comics make the cut? Read below and find out!
Wytches #1 by Scott Snyder & Jock – Image Comics
This probably has one of the most chilling and jarring first few pages of any comic released in recent memory. A movie announcement based on the book has driven prices of this issue as high as $10 already! Look for the series to heat up even more after the release of subsequent issues.
Sabrina #1 by Roberto Aguirre Sacasa & Robert Hack – Archie Comics
Continuing the trend of dark and twisted horror-themed comics after the success of Afterlife With Archie, Sabrina is based in the 1960s. The first issue gives us the back-story of how Sabrina ended up living with her aunts and her cat Salem. This is the Stadium Comics exclusive cover by Francesco Francavilla and normally sells for $9.99 in-store.
Thor #1 by Jason Aaron & Russell Dauterman – Marvel Comics
It’s an all-new Female THOR! A book that has been met with much admiration and also controversy, Thor #1 has been a huge sales success. The Thor we knew has become unworthy, and there is a new person set to take his place. Who is it?
Gotham Academy #1 – by Becky Cloonan, Brendan Fletcher, & Karl Kerschl DC Comics
Teen Drama comes to Gotham! Meet Olive Silverlock and Maps Mizoguchi – two new characters studying at Gotham Academy. Cloonan and Fletcher add some youthful fun to the Bat Family books, and Karl Kerschl tops it off with a bright and heavily stylized look!
Batgirl #35 by Brendan Fletcher, Cameron Stewart, & Babs Tarr – DC Comics
Hipster Batgirl? Sure, why not! Barbara Gordon moves to Burnside, starts acting her age a little more, and decides to don a more practical costume. The book has been wildly popular – so popular in fact that DC is looking to do more re-inventions of characters similar to the re-invention of Barbara Gordon here.
Rasputin #1 by Alex Grecian & Riley Rossmo – Image Comics
The legendary real-life mystic and “mad monk” who consulted Russia’s royal family is given the comic book treatment here with a few embellishments. The first issue is beautifully drawn by Rossmo (no surprise there) and is light on dialogue, but the story is told in the imagery. Issue #1 is sold out, and we can’t wait to see what they do in issue #2!
Men of Wrath #1 by Jason Aaron & Ron Garney – Marvel Comics
A tale of bad men, with no punches pulled, portrayed brutally and honestly by Aaron and Garney. Ira Rath is a Hitman with an interesting family history. This is part 1 of a 5 issue miniseries produced by Marvel Comics under their Icon imprint, and is Jason Aaron’s second book in this mystery box!
THANK YOU to all who participated in August 2014’s MYSTERY BOX! You all should have received your comics by now (unless you are one of our international customers). We’re really excited about the picks we made this month, and we hope you will be too! As a bonus for participating in this month’s program, you will have received a special “Guardians of the Galaxy” foil sticker!
So what makes a great ComicBoxer comic? See our reasons for selecting each issue below!
Multiversity #1 by Grant Morrison & Ivan Reis – DC Comics
Grant Morrison here is doing what he does best here – exploring DC’s expansive multiverse and bringing focus back to the 52 different Earths that exist in DC lore. This is the first of a series of one shots that will be released over the next several months. Are we headed for another crisis?
The Fade Out #1 by Ed Brubaker & Sean Phillips – Image Comics
The masters of noir storytelling are back in this captivating new book, which takes a look at scandal, mystery, and intrigue during 1940s Hollywood. The team behind “Fatale” are set to knock one out of the park again with this book. This is the first book from the Brubaker and Phillips since signing a 5-year deal with Image. This is a sure bet to be an issue collectors will covet.
Harley Quinn #9 by Amanda Conner & Jimmy Palmiotti “Selfie Variant” – DC Comics
For the month of August, DC put out 22 special “Selfie” variants featuring characters on the cover taking pictures of themselves. We’ve included DC’s current queen of comics Harley Quinn here as covers featuring her are always in demand.
POP #1 by Curt Pires & Jason Copland – Dark Horse Comics
This book supposes that the pop superstars that we idolize are merely products; creations of the world’s richest individuals. These idols have bosses, and those bosses don’t like it when work isn’t performed to their specifications, and they definitely don’t like it when one of their products escape! Artist Jason Copland and writer Curt Pires have both been named “Creators to Watch” in 2013 & 2014. BONUS: If you’ve ever wanted to see a certain Canadian music superstar get what’s coming to him, this is the book for you. No, we’re not talking about Burton Cummings.
Wayward #1 by Jim Zub & Steve Cummings – Image Comics
This book is being heralded as “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” for the new generation, and that’s not far off the mark. Written by Jim Zub, known for his work on Samurai Jack and Skullkickers teams with artist Steve Cummings to bring us the tale of Rori, a half-Japanese girl who just moved to Tokyo and may possess some supernatural evil-fighting powers! Lovers of teen paranormal drama and Japanese culture unite! This is the book for you.
Guardians of the Galaxy #1 (2013) by Brian Michael Bendis & Steve McNiven – Marvel Comics
Originally released in March 2013 this issue brought new life and energy to the Guardians of the Galaxy comic franchise in preparation for the movie which was released this summer. The team you fell in love with at the theater is all here: Star-Lord, Groot, Rocket, Drax, and Gamora along with a special guest – Iron Man! This book was a quick sell out when it was launched and we are happy to include it in this month’s mystery box as a special thank you to our fellow ComicBoxers!
A couple of weeks ago we shipped out our July 2014 MYSTERY BOXES to customers who participated in the program. It was our last box shipped under the old program. Due to the success of our Mystery Boxes, we have launched a separate website – ComicBoxer the one you’re on right now! – to handle our monthly mystery box program. Consider checking it out if you haven’t already! By our calculations, both June and July’s Mystery Boxes have seen big increases in value over the initial $19.99 investment.
Here’s what was included in July’s shipment (click the images for larger versions):
Grayson #1 by Tim Seeley, Tom King, & Mikel Janin – DC Comics
This is an all-new ongoing series starring Dick Grayson, the former Nightwing and one of the most popular characters in the Bat-Family. Super Spies are in, and Grayson is aiming to show he’s got what it takes to be the greatest spy of all. This is written by Tim Seeley of Revival and Hack/Slash fame.
Spread #1 by Justin Jordan & Kyle Strahm – Image Comics
Definitely reminiscent of Lone Wolf and Cub, the main character “No” is immune to a strange living virus known as “The Spread” and must protect a child which may hold the key to eliminating The Spread once and for all. Those who have read Jordan’s Luther Strode books won’t be too surprised by the action and gore found within the pages of this book!
Rocket Raccoon #1 by Skottie Young: Stan Lee Lego Variant – Marvel Comics
Mark our words, this WILL be the summer of Rocket Raccoon! He’s poised to become one of the most popular characters in pop culture with the arrival of the Guardians of the Galaxy movie. This book is illustrated and written by Skottie Young, and the variant we have included here features the man himself, Stan Lee – in LEGO form!
Spider-Man 2099 #1 by Peter David and Will Sliney: Skottie Young Variant – Marvel Comics
Everyone’s favorite futuristic Spider-Man from the 1990s is back and this time he’s stranded in our present! Miguel O’Hara’s new adventures begin here, written by Peter David who is also Spider-Man 2099’s original creator. We have included the Skottie Young variant cover here, because Spidey covers by him have climbed in value!
The Life After #1 by Joshua Fialkov and Gabo – Oni Press
The Life After takes a look at a man breaking through the barriers of the monotonous afterlife, and has been getting great reviews. The story is written by Joshua Hale Fialkov, hot on the heels of his successful comic book The Bunker which is being developed for television.
Low #1 by Rick Remender and Greg Tocchini – Image Comics
A beautiful looking comic which is set in a world where the sun is expanding, and scorches the Earth above. Humanity has retreated to the depths of the ocean while looking for an exodus to another world. Painted art by Greg Tocchini compliments Remender’s masterful writing; he’s been on fire lately with success on books such as Deadly Class and Black Science, in addition to several titles at Marvel.
We recently shipped our June MYSTERY BOXES to the lucky people who decided to participate in the program. It was a huge success! Thanks to everyone who placed their orders.
The best news for those who purchased Mystery Boxes is that, judging by eBay prices, the original value of $19.99 for the box has since SKYROCKETED to around $55 due to the success of the books that we selected. So what did we choose? Have a look!
Superman: DOOMED #1 Signed by Ken Lashley – DC Comics
Superman vs. Doomsday in the early 90s, for better or for worse, was a defining moment in the history of comics. DC looks to make history again this time around with Superman taking on his deadliest foe once again. Believe us – this is MUCH different than the last time they met, and the last few pages of this story will surprise you! Brilliantly illustrated by the legendary Ken Lashley, this comic was signed at our store on May 23, 2014
Outcast #1 by Robert Kirkman and Paul Azaceta – Image Comics
We’d be fools to not include the new book from Robert Kirkman in our Mystery Box. This time the Walking Dead creator takes on the phenomenon of demonic possession and exorcism. Plus it’s an extra sized issue with no ads! If any of the books in this month’s box have a chance of becoming a television or movie property in the future, it’s this one. When Robert Kirkman writes, Hollywood pays attention!
The Wicked and the Divine #1 by Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie, variant cover by Bryan Lee O’Malley – Image Comics The team that brought us Phonogram and Young Avengers bring us their most anticipated title yet – the story of Gods who re-incarnate themselves into the bodies of young people every century. There’s lots of buzz around this book, especially with the variant cover included here by Scott Pilgrim artist Bryan Lee O’Malley!
Superman #32 by Geoff Johns and John Romita Jr. – DC Comics
This is a landmark issue for the Man of Steel. It features new creative team that DC hopes will inject some much-needed excitement into their flagship character. It also marks John Romita Jr’s first regular title with DC Comics! This one is a no-brainer, as many people will be reading this book to see how Johns and Romita Jr do. It’s make or break time for Superman, and we’re betting that they do a fantastic job.
Wonder Woman #32 – Bombshell Variant Cover – DC Comics
The Bombshell variants by Ant Lucia being offered by DC Comics have been absolutely stunning, and we believe this cover to be the “crown jewel” in that collection. Wonder Woman is presented in pin-up style, mimicking the famous 1940’s propaganda poster “We Can Do It”.
Empty Man #1 by Cullen Bunn and Vanesa R. Del Rey – BOOM Studios
A very creepy release by Boom Studios, and one that has had a lot of people talking! Cullen Bunn is a man on FIRE lately, writing hit books such as The Sixth Gun, Magneto, Helheim, and the Deadpool Kills series of books. So it’s no surprise we were willing to take a gamble on him this time around with Empty Man – a story about a mysterious illness or virus that has been affecting people across the country. After reading the first issue, we’re in for the long haul!
